Congenital upper airway obstruction.

Robert Dinwiddie

Journal: Paediatric respiratory reviews 2004;5(1):17-24

PMID: 15222950

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

Most causes of upper airway obstruction are rare in the neonatal period and during infancy. They may, however, cause major respiratory problems either initially or during the first few weeks of life. It is important to recognise these problems at an early stage so that appropriate measures to overcome airway obstruction can be initiated, thus avoiding significant hypoxia-related complications. Specific treatment includes the use of nasal stents, a nasopharyngeal airway or, in severe cases, tracheostomy. Many such infants have associated feeding problems secondary to the airway obstruction and associated swallowing difficulties, which can lead to recurrent aspiration. The anomalies seen in clinical practice are best classified anatomically. Treatment is aimed at overcoming the mechanical effects of airway obstruction and maximising nutritional input so as to promote growth of the airway and long-term recovery of normal upper airway function.

Address: Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London WC1N 3JH, UK. [email protected]

DOI: 10.1016/j.prrv.2003.10.001

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MeSH Terms: Airway Obstruction, Combined Modality Therapy, Female, Humans, Infant, Larynx, Male, Masks, Oxygen, Pierre Robin Syndrome, Prognosis, Respiratory System Abnormalities, Risk Assessment, Severity of Illness Index, Sleep Apnea Syndromes, Treatment Outcome, Vocal Cord Paralysis